Fire-alarm circuit-closer



T. MATTHEWS.

FIRE ALARM CIRCUIT CLOSER.

APPLICATION FILED. MN. 13. 1919.-

1,332,469, Patentd Mar. 2, 1920.

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UNITED STATES PATENT onrron THOMAS MATTHEWS, OF EAST CLEVELAND, OHIO.

FIRE-ALARM CIRCUIT-CLOSER.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, THOMAS lWIA'r'rHEws, a citizen of the United States, residing at East Cleveland, in the county of Cuyahoga and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Fire-Alarm Circuit- Closers, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a device adapted for use as a fire alarm, the primary object being to provide a simple, durable, and inexpensive device that is eflective and reliable in operation.

A further object is the provision of a device of the character set forth, that operates electrically audible or visual signals.

The invention further provides a device adapted for the purpose set forth, that is portable and of small general dimensions. Owing to the cheapness, portability, and small volume of space occupied by the device, a large number of individual units may be economically installed in a residence or factory, said units being located wherever desired, particularly in obscure or unfrequented compartments, and connected with a universal audible or visual signal, or with a number of such signals located wherever desired. A more or less extensive system may be thus economically installed with an assurance of reliability, and with proper simple electrical connections once made, little or no attention is required for absolute dependability in operation.

The invention will be first hereinafter described in-connection with the accompanying drawings which constitute part of this specification, and then specifically defined in the appended claim.

In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters are employed to designate corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the improved device in normal or open position, showing the electrical connections diagrammatically, and Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the device in a closed circuit position. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the device when closed.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in the drawings, a supporting member is provided, said member being made of non-electrical or insulating material, preferably wood-fiber such as is commonly used for electric insulating pur- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented lWIar. 2, 1920.

Application filed January 13, 1919. Serial No. 270,862.

poses. The said support comprises a base 1, a vertical member 1 and a horizontal ledge 1". A diaphragm 2 is firmly anchored to the upright 1 and is located between said upright and the ledge 1 The diaphragm is made of light gage suitable metal and is filled with a volatile fluid such as ether, alcohol or gasolene. Pivoted to the diaphragm 2 at 2*, is a metal arm 3 of peculiar construction, as presently set forth.

Attached to the ledge 1 is a metal contact block 4, and a support 5. Electrical connection is made from the block 4 through the wire 6 to the bell 7 thence through wire 8 to the lamp 9, and through connection 10, battery B and connection 11 to the binding post 12, which is connected with the diaphragm 2.

The arm 3 pivotally connected with the diaphragm 2, is provided with a projection 3 and a notch 23*, and is adapted to slide on a support 5 when the notch 3 is out of registration with said support, as shown in Fig. 1.

When the device is in its normal position, with the diaphragm contracted, as shown in Fig. 1,the arm 3 rests on the support 5, the projection 3 is clear from the block 4 and the electric circuit is broken. A notch 3 is provided in the lower edge of arm 3, and as the diaphragm exp ands, resulting from the volatilizing of the fluid by the temperature rising to a dangerous degree, the arm 3 slides on the support 5 until the notch 3 registers with said support and allows the arm 3 to oscillate on the pivot 2 through the influence of the spring 13, and thereby bring the projection 3 into contact with the block 4 thus closing the circuit and operating the signals, which in the present embodiment include the bell 7 and lamp 9.

It will readily be understood that the signals as shown are arbitrary. There may be one or more audible signals, one or more visual signals, or a combination of a plurality of audible annunciators and lamps connected with one or more of the devices by systems well known to those familiar with the electric art.

A receptacle 1a adapted to contain an inflammable material, such as slow burning powder, may be provided beneath the dia phragm 2, and a fuse 15 connected with said receptacle.

From the foregoing description the operation of my improved device will be readily understood, and the application of the device as a signal or alarm in case of fire or when the temperature rises to a danger limit in its vicinity, has been made clear, and while I have described what I consider to be the best embodiment of the invention, I desire to have it understood that I am not confined to this specific construction, as various changes in details may be made without departure from the scope of the claim.

WVhat I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

In a fire alarm, the combination of an in-v sulated supporting member, a diaphragm containing a volatilizing fluid, attached to said support, a contact arm pivotally con nected with said diaphragm, a fixed contact block on said support, a fixed bolster on which the contact arm rests out of connection ,with the contact block when the diaphragm is contracted, a recess in the contact arm which clears the bolster when the diaphragm is expanded and thereby allows connection of the armwith the contact block.

In testimony whereof I affiX' my signature.

THOMAS MATTHE-VS. 

